If I was to build a steel framed Moving table CNC Router, and I wanted to get faces of the x and y axis ,where the Rails will be attached, machined flat and in the same plane, I can think of 3 ways to do it (are there any more? )
1.Weld the frames up separately, get them machined ,and then weld the Gantry to the main frame. ( May get distortion caused by the last welds?)
2. Weld the frames up separately and design them so they can be bolted together after machining. ( Would bolting the frames together comprimise the rigdity of the whole machine and become the weak link?)
3. Weld the complete machine and try to get the faces machined. ( I doubt this is possible ...too awkward.)
Your thoughts Gentlemen, thanks.
Steve